The guitar Mark Knopfler knew was too good for him: “I can’t take this”
Mark Knopfler says the guitar he treasures most is a blonde Gibson ES-330 given to him by fellow guitarist Tony Joe White. Although Knopfler initially felt he could not accept an instrument with such a history, he now takes it to every recording session.
White had used the guitar on Brook Benton’s 1970 hit ‘Rainy Night in Georgia’ before switching to a Stratocaster. He gave it to Knopfler after Knopfler had gifted him an acoustic guitar; the instrument’s fingerboard was deeply worn, so Knopfler replaced it. Knopfler sold other iconic guitars at auction in 2024 for £8 million, donating a quarter of the proceeds to charity, but kept White’s gift.
In short
- Knopfler’s most treasured guitar was a gift from Tony Joe White.
- White played it on ‘Rainy Night in Georgia’.
- Knopfler takes it to every recording session.